Benzodiazepines are a group of structurally-related compounds that reduce anxiety when given at low doses and induce sleep at higher doses. Clinical guidelines generally recommend to prescribe benzodiazepines to treat anxiety or insomnia that is severe, disabling and causing extreme distress.

Inactivity. Sitting for long periods of time or otherwise being inactive may make the muscles in your feet more apt to cramp. Sitting with poor posture may also inhibit blood flow to your feet or lead to nerve compression — two risk factors for developing cramps.

Muscle cramps and spasms Stress often causes muscles to tense up for a variety of reasons. Changes to circulation and the nervous system can put pressure on blood vessels, which triggers a simultaneous contraction of the muscles. Dehydration and poor diet can also play a role here.

Muscle cramps are felt to be caused by excessively excited nerves that stimulate the muscles. This can occur after injury to the nerve and/or muscle; dehydration; with low blood levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium; from certain medications; and even at rest.

Foot Cramp Treatment

1. If you’re sitting or lying down, stand up and put weight on your cramping foot.
2. Actively lift your foot and toes, pulling them up toward your nose.
3. Rub your muscle gently as you stretch it.
4. If ice is not working, put heat on the cramped muscle with a warm towel or heating pad.

One study on animals indicated that beta-sitosterol may have value as an antidepressant. Anecdotal evidence also indicates that beta-sitosterol helps reduce feelings of anxiety, possibly by stabilizing cortisol, a hormone released during times of stress.

Top 10 evidence based supplements for anxiety

• Background.
• Vitamin D.
• Vitamin B complex.
• Magnesium.
• L-theanine.
• Multivitamins.
• Omega-3.
• Valerian root.